Words: Susie Williams

Thanks to Coast Lines magazine

Tucked behind the CFS and SES complex on Elliot Street, at the western edge of Port Elliot, a quiet transformation has been blooming. What was once a vacant patch of land is now a thriving, green hub of community, learning, and connection—the Port Elliot Community Garden.

Officially established in 2022, this garden is more than raised beds and orchard trees. It’s a living symbol of what can happen when committed locals turn an idea into action. It began back in February 2020, when a small group, driven by curiosity and community spirit, gathered in the dog park on a cold, wet and windy day. “We put a call out on Facebook for a public meeting,” recalls Ian Nuberg, current treasurer. “Despite the weather, people turned up and said, ‘Yes, I’m interested.’”

From that point on, things began to grow—literally and figuratively.

Planting the seed

An early champion of the garden, Ian Nuberg is a retired Associate Professor of the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at Waite Campus, University of Adelaide. Alongside Elizabeth Ganguly, as first coordinator/chair, Gus Telfer, as secretary and a determined core team, Ian helped guide the project through the maze of site options, council negotiations, and funding applications.

“We looked at six potential sites around Port Elliot,” he explains. “Alexandrina Council wouldn’t do it for us, but they were open to us leasing land. So we did community consultation, formed a monthly committee and started applying for grants.”

Two years of persistent planning and paperwork paid off. By 2022, the group secured a lease for Reserve 60 on Elliot Street. With nearly $40,000 in grants and a lot of elbow grease, they fenced the property, laid paths, installed raised garden beds and planted over 30 orchard trees. Local designer Elizabeth Ganguly created the garden layout and was instrumental in liaising with council.

Today, the garden boasts 122 square metres of productive garden beds, and 370 square metres under fruit trees, paved access throughout and a growing community of members and supporters.

Community at the core

True to its name, the Port Elliot Community Garden welcomes people from all walks of life. Some come for the love of gardening, others for companionship, and many for the simple joy of being outdoors.

“There’s no requirement to work,” Ian explains. “People contribute at different levels. Some are here every week, others pop in when they can. And that’s okay.”

The garden is open to the public every Wednesday from 9am to 12noon and on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Members, who pay an annual fee of $40, can access the garden 24/7 via a gate code. Harvested produce is shared among those who help, on an honesty system.

Beyond vegetables, the garden is growing connections—with schools, support organisations, and the wider community. Children from the local kindy visit regularly, planting in their dedicated garden bed with the help of volunteers. “They come down hand in hand in their little fluoro vests,” Ian says. “It’s a joy to see.”

The garden also hosts visits from the Hills District Disability Support group, who travel from Mount Barker to engage with nature in a safe, inclusive environment.

A place for possibilities

While the garden is flourishing, Di , as coordinator/chair, and Ian with the whole team see even greater potential. “We’d love to see more community use,” Ian says. “If someone wanted to run a mosaic workshop, for example, we’d welcome that. There’s space, and it would be great to add some art around the garden.”

The team has dreams for more: shade structures, a small garden shed and maybe even community events. But their focus remains on steady, inclusive growth.

And they’re always looking for more people to join in.

Come Along, Get Involved

To celebrate South Australia’s Community Gardens Day, the Port Elliot Community Garden will host an Open Day on Saturday 2 November. Check the details on Facebook nearer the time. It’s the perfect chance to explore the garden, chat with members and see if you’d like to get involved.

“No experience necessary,” Di laughs. “Just curiosity and a bit of heart.”

Membership forms, garden details, and contact information are available on the Port Elliot Town and Foreshore Improvement Association website at www.portelliot.org.au. to Di as Membership Secretary on [email protected] or phone Ian on 0421 144 671.

So whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or someone simply looking to connect with community, the Port Elliot Community Garden is here—growing food, friendships and a better future for all.